Overview
A compact, variable-speed benchtop lathe for small woodturning projects: pens, chess pieces, cups, small bowls, spindles, and similar pieces. It turns work either between centers (spindle turning) or mounted on the included faceplate (bowl and platter work). A gradual soft-start ramps the spindle up to the set speed, and speed is adjusted with a dial rather than by moving belts. It's a small-format machine intended for small workpieces only and isn't suited to large bowls or long spindles.
Although his machine is a bench top style machine, it is mounted to a Lathe Stand.
What you can do with it
- Spindle turning: turn stock held between the spur center (headstock) and the live center (tailstock), up to 12" long and 8" in diameter.
- Faceplate turning: screw or glue a blank to the 3" faceplate for bowls, cups, and platters.
- Chuck work: the 1" × 8 TPI spindle accepts standard threaded chucks (a 4-jaw chuck is sold separately).
- Pen turning: MT1 tapers accept a pen mandrel (sold separately).
- Center drilling: the hollow tailstock quill can guide a drill through the center of a workpiece.
Specifications
| Specification |
Value |
| Model |
WEN 3421 |
| Motor |
120V, 60Hz, 3.2A |
| Swing over bed |
8" |
| Distance between centers |
12" |
| Speed range |
750–3,200 RPM, variable |
| Start-up |
Soft start (gradual ramp-up) |
| Spindle thread |
1" × 8 TPI |
| Headstock taper |
MT1 |
| Tailstock taper |
MT1 |
| Tailstock quill travel |
2-1/2" |
| Tool rests |
4-1/2" and 7" |
| Drive |
Belt |
| Dimensions |
28" × 10" × 12" |
| Weight |
45 lbs |
| Included accessories |
Spur center, live (cup) center, faceplate, knockout rod, faceplate wrench, flat wrench, 2 hex wrenches, short and long tool rests |
Key Safety Rules
- Training/Checkout required. Don't use the lathe until you've been trained on it and on turning tool technique.
- Eye and face protection. Always wear safety glasses and a face shield, plus a dust mask when sanding.
- No loose clothing, jewelry, or gloves near the work. Tie back long hair and roll up sleeves.
- Inspect the stock. Don't turn wood with cracks, splits, loose knots, nails, or other defects.
- Always start at the lowest speed. Turn the dial fully counterclockwise before switching on, then raise the speed gradually. If the machine vibrates, reduce the speed until the vibration stops.
- Hand-spin before power. Rotate the workpiece by hand to confirm it clears the tool rest.
- Set the tool rest correctly. Position it just below centerline and about 1/8"–1/4" (3–6 mm) from the work. Stop the lathe before adjusting it.
- Lock everything down. Tighten the tailstock, quill, and tool rest locks before starting, and remove all wrenches and the knockout rod.
- Don't overtighten the tailstock. Use enough pressure to hold the work securely without overheating the center bearings.
- Never stop the work by hand, and never apply water or coolant to a spinning workpiece.
- Sand safely. Remove the tool rest, run at low speed, and fold sandpaper into a pad. Never wrap it around your fingers or the workpiece.
- Power off and unplug before changing centers, faceplates, or chucks, and before cleaning. Clear chips with a brush, not your hands.
- Safety key: the switch key can be removed to prevent unauthorized start-up.
Included Accessories: TBD
Care After Use
Brush or blow off chips and dust, especially from the bed, motor vents, and the spindle and quill bores. Report any vibration, slipping belt, or loose lock levers to staff.